“It’s spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you’ve got it, you want—oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!” – Mark Twain
The anticipation of spring this year is more intense. The sun just came out a few days ago and doesn’t it feel amazing? With the overabundance of rain we’ve had in Sacramento, I think it is safe to say we are all thrilled to get out of the house! Gathering all of these fun spring events has me excited to pull out our family’s calendar and start planning. I hope this guide does the same for you!
The 2017 SPRING ACTIVITIES GUIDE includes:
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
Easter Egg Hunts & Special Events
Arts & Crafts
The Great Outdoors
Favorite Spring Break Camps
Live Entertainment
Special Events throughout Spring
Big thanks to our sponsors who have made this guide possible:
An Irish Tale Puppet Show and Leprechaun Traps
When: Friday, March 10; 4:30-5:15pm
Where: Rio Linda Library
What: An Irish Tale is the story of three brothers, and their journey to catch Liam the Leprechaun. The brothers are smart, but leprechauns are tricky! Laugh along with this fabulous, funny, toe-tapping performance by The Puppet Company. Afterwards, build your own leprechaun trap with a mixed array of materials.
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
Shamrock’n Half
When: Saturday, March 11; 8am
Where: 400 Ballpark Dr., West Sacramento
What: Run/Walk the 5k or 10k (NEW this year) and then enjoy watching the little ones chase a Leprechaun for the 1/2 mile Dash. Rock to the music on the course, finish on the field and enjoy post-race festivites. Proceeds go to Triumph Cancer Foundation to support cancer survivors.
Cost: 1/2 mile Dash $15, 5k and 10k $47.00
More Info: Visit website
St. Patrick’s Day Science
When: Thursday, March 16; 4pm
Where: Arden-Dimick Library
What: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with science fun at the library. This program is for school age children.
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
St. Patrick’s Day at SCM
When: Friday, March 17; 9am – 5pm
Where: Sacramento Children’s Museum
What: St. Patrick’s Day special activities at the Museum will include Story Time, arts and crafts, and music activities.
Cost: Included in regular admission
More Info: Visit website
Shamrock Shimmy
When: Friday, March 17; 5-7pm
Where: Sacramento Children’s Museum
What: Children with special needs, their families, and their friends are invited to join us for a super fun FREE evening of DJ dancing, light refreshments, and museum play.
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
Spring Fling All Night Skate
When: Friday, March 17; 7pm
Where: Foothill Skate Inn
What: Roller Skate and meal deal.
Cost: $25.00
More Info: Visit website
St. Patrick’s Day River Cruise
When: Saturday, March 18; 11:30pm, 3:00pm, 4:30pm
Where: Hornblower Cruises, Old Sacramento
What: Enjoy a one hour cruise of the Sacramento River with a Face painter & Balloon Artist for the kids! See where the American and Sacramento Rivers come together to experience the wildlife and breathtaking natural beauty that this historic and important waterway has to offer.
Cost: $20.00 per person
More Info: Visit website
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: Saturday, March 18; 1:00pm
Where: Old Sacramento
What: Hundreds of colorful marchers dressed in green, along with Irish and Highland dancers, pipe and drum bands, historic re-enactors and a variety of cultural organizations, join together to be a part of the 21st Annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. The day will include entertainment and activities starting at 11:30 AM.
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
Remember to B.Y.O.B. (BRING YOUR OWN BASKET) to Easter Egg Hunts!
Land Park Egg Hunt & Hat Parade
When: Saturday, April 1; 9:30-11am
Where: William Land Park
What: Hat parade at 10am, egg hunt at 10:30am and music throughout (including Mister Cooper).
Cost: FREE
More info: Visit website
Sacramento RiverTrain Easter Egg Express
When: Weekends April 1 – 15
Where: Boarding 400 N. Harbor Blvd., West Sacramento
What: Two and a half hour train ride with children’s entertainment and Easter egg hunt.
Cost: $45.00 – 60.00
Info: Visit website
Funderland Easter Eggstravaganza
When: Friday – Sunday, April 7 – 9
Where: Funderland Amusement Park
What: Meet the Easter Bunny and Happy the Squirrel, Egg hunts every 30 minutes, free crafts throughout the park. Join us for our annual Easter celebration with egg hunts, visits from the Easter bunny, free arts & crafts, and FREE ride tickets when you bring in new games or art supplies to donate to River Oak Center for Children.
Cost: $3.00 for Egg Hunt, Ride Ticket prices here. Free ride tickets when you bring in a new game or art supplies for River Oak Center for Children
Info: Visit website
Spring Fling
When: Sunday, April 9; 1-5pm
Where: Palladio, 340 Palladio Parkway, Folsom
What: Easter Bunny, crafts and games.
Cost: FREE
More info: Visit website
Easter Blast
When: Saturday, April 15; 11am
Where: Swanston Community Center, 2350 Northrop Ave., Sacramento
What: Free Egg Hunt, $3 Magic Show, $3 Train Ride or $5 Wristband
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
Fairytale Town Spring Eggstravaganza
When: Saturday, April 15 & Sunday, April 16; 11am – 3pm
Where: Fairytale Town, 3901 Land Park Drive, Sacramento
What: Join Fairytale Town for an egg-citing weekend featuring egg hunts, prizes, spring themed arts and crafts and more! Daily egg hunts will be held at 12, 1 and 2 PM, promptly. After each hunt, redeem your eggs for a prize in Mr. McGregor’s Garden. Puppet Theater Art will also be on hand performing Bunny Bootcamp in the Children’s Theater at 12:30, 1:30 & 2:30 PM. Plus, visit with Peter Cottontail on the Mother Goose Stage. Get a printed photo for $5, or take your own photo. Make spring-themed crafts, including bunny ears.
Cost: $7.00 per person, Kids 1 and under free; Puppet Show Tickets are $1 for members and $2 for nonmembers.
Info: Visit website
Curtis Park Spring Egg Hunt
When: Saturday, April 15; 9:30 – 11am
Where: William Curtis Park, 3349 W. Curtis Drive, Sacramento
What: Pajama parade, bag decorating, meet the Easter Bunny, and an Easter Egg Hunt.
Cost: FREE; Photos with Easter Bunny $5
Info: Visit website
Carmichael Egg Hunt & Pancake Breakfast
When: Saturday, April 15; 9 – 11am
Where: Carmichael Park, 5750 Grant Ave., Carmichael
What: Egg hunts, arts and crafts, visits with the Bunny and a pancake breakfast.
Cost: FREE
Info: Visit website
Fair Oaks Easter Eggstravaganza
When: Saturday, April 15; 9am – 1pm
Where: Fair Oaks Park, 11549 Fair Oaks Blvd., Fair Oaks
What: Morning breakfast, carnival games, train rides, bounce houses, an egg toss competition, egg hunt and much more.
Cost: FREE egg hunt; Carnival Tickets are $.50, $10 wristband for unlimited games, train ride, face painted, and inflatables
Info: Visit website
Folsom Spring Eggstravaganza
When: Saturday, April 15; 8am – 11am
Where: Lembi Park, 1328 Riley Street, Folsom
What: Egg hunts, pancake breakfast, games, and activities.
Cost: FREE
Info: Visit website
Spring Eggstravaganza
When: Saturday, April 15; 8:30am – 4pm
Where: Elk Grove Regional Park, 9950 Elk Grove-Florin Road, Elk Grove
What: Free activities include appearances from the Easter Bunny and lots of springtime interactive FUN! Activities with a fee include face painting, pony rides, petting zoo, inflatable attractions, carnival games and the “egg scramble.”
Cost: FREE; fee for some activities
Info: Visit website
Hoppin’ and Huntin’ at Hagan
When: Saturday, April 15; 8:30am-12pm
Where: Hagan Community Park
What: Egg hunts at three time slots for children aged 10 and under and the Easter Bunny will be available for photos. Attendees will enjoy games, music, face painting, inflatable houses, contests and prizes.
Cost: FREE; Pancake Breakfast $2 per adult, children free
More Info: Visit website
Hornblower Easter River Cruise
When: Sunday, April 16; 1:30, 3:00 and 4:30pm
Where: Old Sacramento, L Street Dock
What: Enjoy a one hour cruise along the River and visit with the Easter Bunny! See where the American and Sacramento Rivers come together to experience the wildlife and breathtaking natural beauty that this historic and important waterway has to offer.
Cost: $20.00 per person
Info: Visit website
Alpha Fired Arts – Paint your own pottery
ArtBeast – Open studio for exploring art is open daily
Color Me Mine, Elk Grove and Color Me Mine, Folsom – Paint your own pottery
Crocker Art Museum’s Tot Land – Living art wall and crafting materials
Home Depot Kids Workshop – Build a craft for free the first Saturday of each month
Lakeshore Learning Crafts for Kids – Create a free craft every Saturday
Sacramento Children’s Museum’s Studio of the Arts – Glass paint wall and recyclable materials for crafting (tip: in 2017, every Friday night is “$5 Friday”)
Sacramento Public Library
Local libraries often hold FREE arts & crafts activities and storytimes typically include a craft activity. Visit the library’s Events Calendar for details.
Sutter’s Fort & State Indian Museum
William B. Pond Recreation Area
Blue Line Arts – Fun with Filmmaking Camp – Ages 7-12
BounceU – Create & Bounce Art Camp – Ages 4-11 or Technology Camp – Ages 7-13
Camp Cordova – Art, Cooking, Sports Camps – Ages 5 – 11
Crocker Art Museum – Art Camp – Ages 6-9
Effie Yeaw Nature Center – Nature Camps – Ages 6-11
Fancy Feet Dance Academy – Moana Dance Camp – Ages 3 and up
Flip2It – Hopping Palooza – Ages 4 and up
Folsom Zoo – Jr Zookeeper Camp – Ages 8-11
International Gymnastics Centre – Gymnastics Camp – Ages 5-12
Sac State Aquatic Center – Water Sports Camp – Ages 7-17
Sacramento Theatre Company – Act Dance Sing Camp – 1st -6thgraders
SPCA – Camp Kindness – Ages 7-12
Jack and the Beanstalk
When: March 4 – 26
Where: Davis Musical Theatre Company, Young Performers Theatre
What: Jack And The Beanstalk is a splendid spin on the classic tale. Needing money to pay the yearly taxes, Jack’s mother instructs him to sell their cow. True to form, Jack winds up with a bag full of magic beans in exchange for the cow. The next morning, after planting them, Jack awakens to find a giant beanstalk, at the top of which lives one very scientifically minded Giant who has invented a plucky Golden Harp and a tap-dancing Golden Goose. Wackiness ensues as Jack tries to escape the magical kingdom!
Cost: $8.00 all ages
More info: Visit website
The Ugly Duckling
When: Saturday, March 18; 1pm and 3pm
Where: Community Center Theater
What: Be uplifted by the thoughtful Hans Christian Andersen story in which an ugly duckling discovers that he has become a handsome swan. This heartwarming musical production about the passage from the awkwardness of youth to the grace of maturity has been acclaimed by sold-out audiences throughout the USA and as far away as Japan and Russia! Suggested for grades K-5.
Cost: $9.00 – $15.00
More info: Visit website
Peppa Pig Live
When: Wednesday, March 29; 6pm
Where: Community Center Theater
What: More fun than a muddy puddle! Peppa Pig is hitting the road for her first-ever U.S. theatrical tour, Peppa Pig’s Big Splash!
The original production features Peppa, George, and all their friends in an all-singing, all-dancing adventure full of songs, games and muddy puddles!
Cost: $29.50 and up
More info: Visit website
Junie B Jones is Not a Crook
When: April 22 – May 28
Where: B Street Theatre, Family Series Stage
What: B Street Family Series beloved favorite Junie B Jones is back with an all new adventure. Junie B has a pair of brand new furry mittens but chaos erupts when they go missing from the playground. A delightful adaptation of Barbara Park’s endearing book. Recommended for ages 5 and up.
Cost: Kids $15.00, Adults $20.00
More info: Visit website
Puppet Show: Tale of the Dragon’s Tail
When: Saturday, April 1 – Sunday, April 2; 12:30, 1:30 & 2:30
Where: Fairytale Town’s Children’s Theatre
What: Princess Penny is happy to be home from her world travels, until she discovers there are problems in the kingdom. A dragon has been spotted in the hills above the castle, and her father, the King, has been giving all of the kingdom’s gold to a wizard who claims he can keep the dragon away. Penny suspects something fishy.
Cost: $1 for members, $2 for non-members in addition to admission of $5.75 per person
More info: Visit website
Sound Maze by Paul Dresher
When: Saturday – Sunday, April 8 – 9
Where: Mondavi Center
What: Sound Maze is an immersive, interactive experience of sound and mechanics, consisting of over a dozen newly invented musical instruments and sound sculptures. Designed for audiences of all ages—regardless of musical experience—participants are fully encouraged to engage, experiment with, improve upon, and play these extraordinary inventions to discover new ways of creating sound and music. Created and built by Bay Area composer and instrument inventor Paul Dresher in collaboration with Alex Vittum and Daniel Schmidt, Sound Maze is designed to unleash the musical creativity of all our participants, rewarding the curious but musically inexperienced as well as those who have a lifelong engagement with sound and music.
Cost: Adults $20, Kids $10
More info: Visit website
Peter Pan
When: April 21 – May 14
Where: Davis Musical Theatre Company
What: The magical tale about a boy who refuses to grow up. Peter Pan and his mischievous fairy sidekick Tinkerbell visit the nursery of Wendy, Michael, and John Darling. With a sprinkling of pixie dust, Peter and his new friends fly out the nursery window and over London to Never-Never Land. The children experience many wonderful and exciting adventures with the Lost Boys, Tiger Lily’s Indian tribe, and Peter’s arch enemy, the dastardly pirate Captain Hook.
Cost: Adults $18.00, Kids/Students $16.00
More info: Visit website
Puppet Show: The Three Billy Goat Gruff
When: Saturday, May 6 – Sunday, May 7
Where: Fairytale Town’s Children’s Theatre
What: Puppet Art Theater Company presents the tale of The Three Billy Goats Gruff in the Children’s Theater. This production starts with the classic race of The Tortoise and the Hare. Hare, super speedy; Tortoise, slow and steady. Who will win?
Cost: $1 for members, $2 for non-members in addition to admission of $5.75 per person
More info: Visit website
Miniature Train Ride
When: Saturday – Sunday, March 4-5 and April 1-2; 11am – 3pm
Where: Hagan Park
What: Take a ride through Hagan Park on Sacramento Valley Live Steamers’ miniature steam train.
Cost: FREE (donations appreciated)
More info: Visit website
Tuesday Train Rides
When: Tuesdays, March 7 – May 2; 11am & 1pm
Where: California Railroad Museums’ Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot, Old Sacramento
What: As an expansion of the weekday train ride program for local school groups, the California State Railroad Museum is now offering excursion train rides to the general public on select Tuesdays this year.
Cost: Adults $12, Kids $6, age 5 and under free
More info: Visit website
To the Rescue: The Fire Trucks and People that Saved our Cities
When: March 16 – May 29
Where: California Automobile Museum
What: Explore all sorts of fire-fighting vehicles, equipment, and stories in this exhibit. Many of the trucks and other objects on display were local to Sacramento and saved our city, from the late 1800s and through the 1940s.
Cost: Adults $10.00, Kids $5.00, age 4 and under free
More info: Visit website
Sutter Children’s Wellness Festival
When: Saturday, March 25; 11am-3pm
Where: Fairytale Town
What: Celebrate active and healthy living at the Sutter Children’s Center Wellness Festival! Enjoy free play, games, healthy fun and more.
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
Talk with a Farmer: Seed and Seedling Giveaway
When: Saturday, March 25; 2-4pm
Where: Rio Linda Library
What: Local farmers will teach a class on growing giant pumpkins. Take home free seeds from the Rio Linda Branch Seed Library. The Grange will also be giving away locally grown, heirloom tomato seedlings.
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
Traders’ Faire
When: Friday – Sunday, April 7-9; 10am-5pm
Where: Sutter’s Fort
What: Demonstrations of historic crafts and skill. Vendors of one-of-a-kind reproduction goods from the pre-gold rush era of California including clothing, toys, housewares, knives, beads, and more.
Cost: Adults $7.00, Kids $5.00, age 5 and under free
More info: Visit website
Babies & Bumps
When: Saturday, April 8; 9am-2pm
Where: Citrus Heights Community Center
What: Entertainment, crafts marketplace, more vendors than ever before, and it is the home of the annual Cover Kid Search.
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
Sing and Dance
When: Saturday, April 8; 10am
Where: Arden Fair Kids Club
What: Sing and Dance along with a special performance from Proscenium Performing Groups.
Cost: FREE
More info: Visit website
Garden Fun for Children
When: Wednesday, April 12; 11:15am-12:15pm
Where: Rancho Cordova Library
What: The Yisrael Farm presents garden programs for children. Kids get their hands dirty gardening and learn about growing food and healthy eating. Fun for everyone in the family. This is the second and Fourth Wednesday every month January through October 2017.
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
Earth Day
When: Saturday, April 22; 10am-2pm
Where: Sacramento Children’s Museum
What: Enjoy a day of live music and interactive, Earth-friendly outdoor activities.
Cost: FREE
More info: Visit website
Celebrate the Earth Festival
When: Saturday, April 22; 10am-3pm
Where: Mahany Regional Park, 1545 Pleasant Grove Blvd., Roseville
What: Live music, food trucks, face painting, animals shows, and more.
Cost: FREE
More info: Visit website
Earth Fest
When: Saturday, April 22; 9am-4pm
Where: Sacramento Zoo
What: Learn about the environment and conservation both locally and globally and how you can have an impact on the world around you right from home. Enjoy face painting, crafts, hands-on activities and games all focused on the planet we call home.
Cost: General admission
More info: Visit website
Kids Day in the Park Hagan Park
When: Saturday, April 29; 11am-3pm
Where: Hagan Park, 2197 Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova
What: A sports themed day of activities for small children and their families. Get hands-on and test your skills – football, baseball, soccer, tennis. Obstacle courses, rides, crafts, games and more.
Cost: FREE
More Info: Visit website
Yomen: A Spring Celebration Maidu
When: Saturday, April 29; 10am-2pm
Where: Maidu Museum, Roseville
What: California Indian traditionalists provide dancing, storytelling and singing to celebrate the coming of spring, a welcome time of new growth and the guarantee of fresh foods and warmer weather. Explore the Historic Site with guided tours, every hour. Children’s activities include bracelet making, petroglyph rubbings, a scavenger hunt, and acorn pounding.
Cost: FREE
More info: Visit website
Meet the Machines
When: Saturday, May 13; 10am – 1:30pm
Where: Mather Sports Center
What: Children of all ages have the opportunity to touch, climb on and explore an expanse of exciting machines and unique vehicles. The event will also feature other activities such as bounce houses, games, face painting, music and food. The first hour of the event is horn-free to accommodate children with special needs and sensitive ears.
Cost: FREE
More info: Visit website
Berry Fest
When: Saturday – Sunday, May 13 – 14; 10am – 6pm
Where: Placer County Fairgrounds, 800 All Ammerican City Blvd., Roseville
What: There’s loads of strawberry eats and strawberry treats, arts and crafts shopping, boy scouts strawberry pancake breakfast, cooking demonstrations and live bands;Petting zoo, pony rides, princess pageant, strawberry shortcake eating contest, strolling entertainers, a daily parade, nonstop shows on the kids caboose stage, a community stage and a full kid’s carnival.
Cost: Adults $10, Kids 6 and up $5.00, 5 and under Free
More info: Visit website
Wheels Day
When: Saturday, May 20; 10am-2pm
Where: Sacramento Children’s Museum
What: Take a ride on a kid-sized train and get up close to a fire engine and other vehicles. Vehicles and activities will be on display outdoors at the Museum.
Cost: FREE
More info: Visit website
Sacramento County Fair
When: May 25-29 (Memorial Day Weekend)
Where: Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd, Sacramento
What: Fair theme this year is “Let’s Eat, Have Fun & Celebrate the Red, White & Blue”.Rides, exhibits, farm animals, food and more.
Cost: Adults $6.00, Kids Free, Parking $10.00
More info: Visit website
Thanks again to our sponsors. Their support makes it possible to provide you with free content!
Memories by Michelle Photography
Mondavi Center
Fairytale Town
Funderland Amusement Park
DISCLAIMER: This guide will be updated frequently throughout the spring but please verify information before attending any of these activities.
Written by Keilah Woodard
My love for exploring and creating experiences with my three kids led to the founding of SacramentoSidetracks.com in 2009. I realized that Sacramento has so much to offer and I was excited to share my findings with other parents. Besides simply having fun, these are the other positive side effects of taking my kids on outings that I’ve discovered: we have quality time together away from the distractions at home, we cultivate our curiosity, learn new things, conversations are triggered by what we see and do, we connect and bond as a family, and we create new memories. Ready to get sidetracked, too? Let me be your guide!
